The broad square of green stretches straight north from the National Museum and City Pillar shrine, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat. It’s where Ubon comes to relax and exercise.

The park contains a statue of Ubon’s founder, Chao Kham Phong, and a monument dedicated by surviving Allied World War II POW’s to honour the people of Ubon for their generosity during the Japanese occupation. Dedicated to King Bhumibol on his 72nd birthday in 2000, the most noticeable monument depicts a huge image of Garuda (half-bird-half-man of Hindu mythology and the Thai national symbol) stretching his wings in front of a tall pillar with ornate detail that mimics Ubon’s wax-carving style.

Just after sunset, Thung Si Muang buzzes with hundreds of locals jogging along the outer walkway, playing basketball at the two full courts and joining in group aerobics or ballroom dancing. On weekend evenings, a night bazaar comes to life on neighbouring Nakhonban and Srinarong roads to sell mostly clothing that young locals want to buy.